If thou remeber'st not the slightest folly that ever love did make thee run into, thou hast not lov'd
Already with thee! tender is the night. . . But here there is no light. . .
He who is a beginner on the way must not be brought to practise the commandments by kindness alone, but must more often be induced to continue the struggle by being rigorously reminded of God's judgment. In this way he will not only be moved by love to desire what is divine, but will be moved by fear to avoid what is evil. For 'I will sing to Thee, O Lord, of mercy and judgment' (Ps. 101:1 LXX). He will sing to God charmed by love, and steeled by fear he will have strength for the song.
Anger may repast with thee for an hour, but not repose for a night; the continuance of anger is hatred, the continuance of hatred turns malice.
Gaze not on beauty too much, lest it blast thee; nor too long, lest it blind thee; nor too near, lest it burn thee. If thou like it, it deceives thee; if thou love it, it disturbs thee; if thou hunt after it, it destroys thee. If virtue accompany it, it is the heart's paradise; if vice associate it, it is the soul's purgatory. It is the wise man's bonfire, and the fool's furnace.
Zion, thou art doubtless anxious for news of thy captives; they ask after thee, they who are the remainder of thy flock.
So preach that those who do not fall out with their sins may fall out with thee.
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice And could of men distinguish her election, Sh'ath sealed thee for herself.